DUBAI– Captain Kraigg Brathwaite and Anthony Alleyne stroked centuries as West Indies Under-19s surged ahead of Australia Under-19s on the second day of their three-day "Test" here yesterday.
Skipper Brathwaite kept up the prolific scoring that has been the feature of his short career with an unbeaten 168 while Alleyne hit 106, to push their side to 426 for eight declared in response to Australia's first innings of 350 at the at the ICC Global Cricket Academy. At the close, Australia were 54 without loss, still 22 runs behind with all their second innings wickets in tact.
Resuming the day at their overnight 81 for two, West Indies benefitted from a 183-run third wicket stand between Brathwaite and Alleyne as they dominated the Aussie bowlers. Brathwaite, unbeaten on 28 at the start, stroked 20 fours and a six off 293 balls while the left-handed Alleyne, not out on 23 overnight, hammered 18 fours off 136 balls. When Alleyne departed, bowled by right-arm pacer Jacob Judd, the right-handed Brathwaite added a further 81 for the fourth wicket with Kavem Hodge who stroked an enterprising run-a-ball 46 with six fours and a six.
The partnership put West Indies in sight of first innings lead but when Hodge and Kyle Mayers (0) fell with just five runs added, Australia looked to be back in the fray. Brathwaite remained resolute, however, and stitched up the innings in a 64-run, sixth wicket partnership with Justin Greaves who hit 41 from 46 balls with three fours. (CMC)